Abstract: The present invention is a casting machine for casting parts in a mold out of a metal using a metal feed stock. The machine includes a processing cylinder formed in a thermally conductive block, said processing cylinder having a processing chamber and opposite first and second ends, the first end of the processing cylinder being configured to receive the metal feed stock. The machine further includes an injector cylinder formed in the thermally conductive block adjacent the processing cylinder, the injector cylinder having a shooting pot coupled to the second end of the processing cylinder by a passage configured to permit feed stock to pass from the processing cylinder into the shooting pot, a nozzle coupled to the injector cylinder configured to couple to the mold. The device includes a processing drive for driving the feed stock from the first end of the processing cylinder through the passage into the shooting pot and a heater thermally coupled to the processing cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a casting machine for casting parts in a mold out of a metal using a metal feed stock. The machine includes a processing cylinder formed in a thermally conductive block, said processing cylinder having a processing chamber and opposite first and second ends, the first end of the processing cylinder being configured to receive the metal feed stock. The machine further includes an injector cylinder formed in the thermally conductive block adjacent the processing cylinder, the injector cylinder having a shooting pot coupled to the second end of the processing cylinder by a passage configured to permit feed stock to pass from the processing cylinder into the shooting pot, a nozzle coupled to the injector cylinder configured to couple to the mold. The device includes a processing drive for driving the feed stock from the first end of the processing cylinder through the passage into the shooting pot and a heater thermally coupled to the processing cylinder.

Abstract: A drive assembly for rotating and translating a shaft comprising a hollow shaft motor and a fluid cylinder. The hollow shaft motor rotates the shaft and the fluid cylinder moves the shaft lengthwise. The drive is particularly useful in the injection unit of an injection-molding machine. In one preferred embodiment the injection unit includes a hollow electric motor and a hydraulic cylinder. A first cylinder wall of the hydraulic cylinder is joined to a rotor of the hollow motor. A second cylinder wall of the cylinder is connected to a stationary portion of the hollow motor. A piston has two end portions. One end portion of the piston engages the first cylinder wall and the other end portion of the piston engages the second cylinder wall. Means for rotating the piston are attached to the rotor. The means for rotating also permits the piston end portions to slide along the cylinder walls.

Abstract: A barrel assembly and carriage assembly preferably having first complimentary couplers and second complimentary couplers. The first couplers interlock to secure the barrel assembly between the ends of the barrel assembly to a carriage assembly. The second couplers retain an end of the barrel assembly in the carriage assembly preventing rotation of the barrel assembly during operation.

Abstract: A barrel assembly preferably having a first barrel coupler and a second barrel coupler. The first barrel coupler secures the barrel to a carriage. The second barrel coupler retains an end of the barrel in the carriage preventing rotation of the barrel during operation. The barrel section between the first barrel coupler and an end of the barrel is isolated from axial carriage force in operation.

Abstract: The invention relates broadly to injection molding machines and more particularly to a novel barrel assembly for use in an injection unit of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The invention relates broadly to injection molding machines and more particularly to a novel carriage assembly for use in an injection unit of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The invention relates broadly to injection molding machines and more particularly to a novel combination of a barrel and carriage assembly for use in an injection unit of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to an injection molding machine and more particularly to a force isolating barrel and carriage assembly for use in an injection unit of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: In metallic material injection molding machines, the connection between the injection nozzle and the sprue bushing has tended to leak metallic material. To overcome this problem, the nozzle has been modified to have a projecting portion or spigot that extends into a mating portion of the sprue bushing to form a seal between the respective portion walls. The nozzle and sprue bushing can move axially with respect to one another without loss of sealing whereas with the prior designs any separation between confronting annular surfaces on the sprue bushing and the nozzle would result in a loss of sealing and leakage.

Abstract: A plasticizing unit having a plasticizing screw, an injection piston connected to the screw, a quill connected to the piston, and hydraulic cavity formed by the piston and a quill end face. Hydraulic fluid is transferred to the hydraulic cavity to move the piston and screw away from the quill. The screw and piston are subsequently moved towards the quill to displace hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cavity and cause back pressure. The back pressure is counteracted by acting on the back of the quill.

Abstract: A pre-plasticizing injection molding machine includes a plasticizing and flow regulating assembly connected to the tip of an injection chamber or shooting pot having an injection cylinder. A distributor valve allows the transfer of plastic resin into the shooting pot at low pressure and prevents the backward flow of resin to the plasticizing unit when the injection plunger injects the resin. A plurality of distribution channels in communication with either the distributor valve or a separate valve, and having outlets in the shooting pot angularly equispaced in proximity to the perimeter of the conical tip of the plunger uniformly distributes new resin behind resin retained in the shooting pot from the previous injection cycle, thereby obviating stagnation zones.

Abstract: A securing assembly for use with a platen of an injection molding machine which includes a mechanism for guiding a movable platen and a mechanism for securing the mechanism for guiding. The mechanism for securing is adapted to be attached with the platen and includes an engagement mechanism for placing the mechanism for securing into and out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding upon rotation of the mechanism for securing. When the engagement mechanism is out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, the mechanism for securing and the mechanism for guiding are relatively movable.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a stationary platen including at least one stationary mold half and a first movable platen. The first movable platen is movable relative the stationary platen and has a second mold half adapted to engage the stationary mold half to form a first mold. A second movable platen may also be provided which is movable toward the stationary platen and includes a third mold half adapted to engage a fourth mold half included with one of the stationary platen and the first movable platen. The third and fourth mold halves form a second mold. Each of the first and second molds having a hot runner leading thereto and an injection unit is provided for delivering melt to the hot runners of the first and second molds. The machine further includes tie bars extending between and connecting the stationary platen and the movable platens. At least one of the first and, if used, the second movable platen and stationary platen includes a mechanism for securing at least one of the tie bars.

Abstract: In metallic material injection molding machines, the connection between the injection nozzle and the sprue bushing has tended to leak metallic material. To overcome this problem, the nozzle has been modified to have a projecting portion or spigot that extends into a mating portion of the sprue bushing to form a seal between the respective portion walls. The nozzle and sprue bushing can move axially with respect to one another without loss of sealing whereas with the prior designs any separation between confronting annular surfaces on the sprue bushing and the nozzle would result in a loss of sealing and leakage.